Chandigarh, June 10 -- After escaping severe heat through May, Chandigarh is now in the grip of a heatwave, with the maximum temperature climbing to a scorching 43.8degC on Monday.

Up from 42.1degC on Sunday, the temperature on Monday was 5 degrees above normal. This is the highest that the temperature has gone all year, and the first day with heatwave conditions in the city this year, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

IMD declares a heatwave in this region when the maximum temperature goes over 40degC and is at least 4.5 degrees above normal. If it goes over 6.5 degrees above normal, a severe heatwave is announced. Based on absolute values, a heatwave can also be declared if the temperature crosses 45degC and a severe h...